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墨書 Inktalez
Even though the palace maids assured her that they cleaned and inspected the palace every day and had not seen any insects crawling in, Song Feiwan still found it hard to feel at ease.
She instructed the maids to start cleaning from the bed and to do so inch by inch, replacing it with fresh bedding. If it weren't for the late hour, which might disturb Consort Rong, she would have sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to fetch some realgar and other items, which she could grind into powder and sprinkle around the room.
After a flurry of activity, she finally lay down on her bed at the third watch of the night. She dozed off but woke several times in the middle of the night, carefully checking to ensure no insects had crawled onto her body before she finally closed her eyes again.
Having not slept well through the night, when she got up to groom herself the next morning, she inevitably noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes. Imagining herself pricking Xiao Yu with a silver needle, she cursed inwardly, "Damn that villain! You scared me!"
To cover up her dark circles, she lingered in her room for quite a while.
Consort Rong had already risen and asked her chief maid, Fuqu, "Where are Yu'er and Feiwan?"
Fuqu respectfully replied, "His Highness the Crown Prince has gone to court; Her Highness is in her room getting ready."
Consort Rong nodded and said, "Let’s wait a bit longer before serving breakfast."
Then, as if struck by a thought, she smiled teasingly, "With how close those two children are, perhaps Yu'er will come over after court."
The incident that occurred in the Imperial Garden yesterday had been reported to her by a maid. After hearing it, she covered her mouth and laughed for quite some time, exclaiming, "Oh dear, I’m blushing! So youthful and impulsive—just hugging in the Imperial Garden!"
Fuqu chuckled and congratulated her, "You might be holding your grandchild soon."
Life in the palace was dull, and Consort Rong's beautiful face immediately showed a look of longing.
Since the incident happened in the Imperial Garden, it eventually reached the ears of other consorts as well—some sooner than others—and their reactions varied. Those of lower rank did not dare to comment on His Highness; those of higher rank either genuinely or feigned happiness at the news.
Concubine Li had offended Consort Rong due to her indiscreet remarks and was confined within the palace. Only a few days ago had the Emperor been in a good mood and allowed her out. She felt greatly wronged and had ordered a maid to summon an imperial physician to check her pulse early that morning.
While waiting, she idly asked, "Has anything interesting happened in the palace these past few days?"
The maid who served closely thought for a moment before replying, "Aside from His Highness returning to Beijing, I suppose it's just yesterday's incident in the Imperial Garden."
"Oh?"
The Consort Li was a few years younger than the Noble Consort Rong, possessing a beauty that could rival the flowers and moon. However, there was a certain simplicity in her expression. When she remained silent, she appeared fine, but once she spoke, it became evident that she lacked intelligence. Thus, her accompanying matron often advised her to speak less and be cautious in public.
At that moment, it was just the two of them. Consort Li lay comfortably on the couch, dressed in fine silk and adorned with exquisite jewelry. The matron bent slightly and briefly explained the situation to her. The more Consort Li listened, the more irritated she became, eventually letting out a cold laugh.
In broad daylight and in front of so many people, embracing and cuddling—what kind of decorum was that? A girl from a humble background could never rise to such occasions. What would happen if word got out? How would the other ladies in the palace react?
The matron replied, "Behind closed doors, who knows what they think? But on the surface, they wouldn't dare say anything."
Consort Li snorted disdainfully and said with jealousy, "If it were some unfavored prince who dared to act like this in the Imperial Garden, he would have been criticized long ago. Let Noble Consort Rong be arrogant; I wonder how long she can maintain that attitude!"
Just then, a palace maid's gentle voice came from outside, "Your Highness, Doctor Zhao has arrived."
Consort Li sat up from the bed. "Let him in."
Doctor Zhao entered with his head bowed and quietly began to check Consort Li's pulse while pondering his own situation regarding finding a mentor. The wound on Lord Rong Jiayi was due for stitch removal; he wondered if he had found a teacher yet. If only he could accompany him to observe and learn—sigh.
After checking her pulse, Doctor Zhao lowered his hands.
Consort Li asked, "How is it? Is my health getting worse by the day?"
Not detecting any significant issues, Doctor Zhao understood her intentions—she wanted to feign illness to gain favor from the Emperor. "Your Highness seems to have concerns; you need proper care. I will prepare a calming prescription for you right away."
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